Streamline Scientific Launches Enhanced PCR Reporting Service to Combat Antibiotic Misuse in UTI Treatment

Streamline Scientific has launched an enhanced PCR reporting service for urinary tract infection testing designed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and strengthen stewardship initiatives. The service addresses a significant healthcare challenge where UTIs account for more than 10 million doctor visits annually in the U.S., with antibiotics often prescribed before lab results are available and approximately 30% proving to be the wrong choice.

The enhanced reporting service weaves CLSI M100 guidelines directly into PCR reports, providing providers with clearer, more actionable information on detected pathogens and their resistance markers. CLSI M100 represents the leading industry guidance used for microbiology culture and sensitivity of UTIs, with the mission of enabling laboratories to assist clinicians in selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for patient care.

Shawn Hood, president of Streamline Scientific, emphasized the urgency of addressing antibiotic stewardship, stating that UTIs represent a major contributor to inappropriate prescribing. The service bridges the gap between lab results and treatment decisions by providing clearer insights based on established guidelines. Instead of requiring providers to interpret raw PCR results, the reports connect each pathogen with relevant resistance markers and CLSI-based treatment guidance.

The reporting format offers practical clinical applications, such as flagging specific drug classes as ineffective when resistance markers are detected and pointing to better-supported alternatives. For example, when E. coli is detected with sulfonamide or trimethoprim resistance, the report immediately identifies those drug classes as ineffective. This approach enables faster, more confident prescribing that supports both patient care and antibiotic stewardship goals.

The service provides distinct benefits to both reference laboratories and medical practices. For laboratories, it offers a competitive advantage in a crowded market by adding clinical value without requiring new equipment investment. Medical practices receive simplified, actionable insights from complex PCR data, making it easier to align with stewardship objectives and strengthen relationships with patients and referring providers. The service builds on existing PCR workflows, allowing for quick implementation without new hardware or platform investments. For more information, visit http://www.streamlinesci.com/reporting.